Finding out that a close friend or family member is expecting a baby is always exciting news. Soon after the initial joy, you might receive an invitation to a gender reveal party. As anticipation builds about whether it will be a boy or a girl, a common question arises: “Do You Bring A Gift To A Gender Reveal Party?” Let’s explore the etiquette around gender reveal party gifting.
Gender reveal parties typically occur during the second trimester, around the 18 to 20-week mark of pregnancy. The reveal itself can be a fun and memorable moment, often involving cutting a cake with a gender-colored inside, opening a box of balloons, or another creative and safe method to share the baby’s sex with excited guests and the parents-to-be themselves.
It’s important to note that unlike baby showers, gender reveal parties are not universally expected. Some parents-to-be prefer to keep the baby’s sex a surprise until birth, or they may opt out of gender reveal parties altogether. This means that the gift-giving etiquette for gender reveal parties is less defined than for baby showers.
Fortunately, gender reveal parties are generally casual events, and the same relaxed atmosphere applies to gifts. Here’s what you should consider when deciding whether to bring a gift to a gender reveal party.
Should You Bring a Gift to a Gender Reveal Party?
The short answer is that bringing a gift to a gender reveal party is a thoughtful gesture and certainly appreciated, but it is not obligatory. According to etiquette expert Suzy Lins, “Gift-giving is a personal choice, and so is the amount you spend on the gift. Remember that thoughtful gifts don’t have to be expensive.”
Given the informal nature of most gender reveal parties and the fact that the baby’s sex is still a surprise to everyone except perhaps the parents, there’s no pressure to find a gender-specific or elaborate gift at this stage. In fact, focusing on the parents-to-be might be the most considerate approach.
Instead of baby clothes or gender-themed items, consider gifts that pamper the expecting parents. “A gift to pamper the new mom throughout her pregnancy is a lovely idea. Think about lotions, relaxing foot soaks, a massage roller to ease discomfort, or even comfortable rubber grip socks as her pregnancy progresses,” suggests Lins. “If you’d like to include the dad-to-be, a gift card for a meal delivery service would be a very welcome and practical gift.”
Keep in mind that the baby shower, where baby-specific gifts are traditionally given, is likely just around the corner. You can always save those adorable baby outfits and nursery items for the baby shower. A gender reveal party is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the parents and the journey ahead.
